Franklin County Commissioners Applaud Transource Project Denial

The Franklin County Commissioners announced today that they have received a 134- page decision from Administrative Law Judge Elizabeth Barnes that recommends denial of all of the requests made by Transource Pennsylvania LLC to site and construct the “Independence Energy Connection Project” in portions of Franklin and York Counties.  The decision came after over a year of debate, evidentiary hearings, and legal filings.  Chairman David Keller stated that “We could not be more pleased with Judge Barnes’ ruling which completely found in favor of the County and its residents and businesses and against Transource.  Our Board unanimously decided to become actively involved in the lawsuit when we thoroughly investigated the record and found that the Transource power line, which would have forever changed the landscape in Franklin County, was not necessary nor was it needed in Franklin County specifically and Pennsylvania generally.  This is exactly what Judge Barnes, after weighing the significant evidence, also found.”     

Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski agreed.  “We heard from the people of Franklin County and the large contingent of property owners that were having their land taken for this project and felt compelled to get involved and join others opposing this project.  The Transource project offered no benefits to those who live and work in Franklin County, it would have had a deleterious impact on farmland, historic resources, and was simply in complete contradiction to all that we Commissioners have worked to protect and preserve for future generations as set forth in our County Comprehensive Plan.”

Last year, the County Commissioners hired the law firm of Salzmann Hughes, P.C. to actively participate and represent Franklin County in the proceedings.  “We are obviously well pleased with the decision of Judge Barnes who wrote extensively on why this project is not necessary or needed” said G. Bryan Salzmann, Esq.  “I am very thankful that our firm’s ability to handle these large infrastructure cases was able to assist the Franklin County Commissioners and want to recognize my appreciation for attorney Scott Wyland who has extensive public utility experience and jumped in with both feet to lead the charge. I would also state that the combined effort with the counsel and members of Stop Transource Franklin County, given that group’s multi-year determination, was invaluable in presenting coherent and persuasive arguments against this ill-fated project.”

Commissioner John Flannery echoed the comments of the other Board members.  “This project had to be stopped.  While we clearly support appropriate economic development in our County, this project would have offered no benefits to our community.  We took a hard stand and we now encourage Transource to drop this poorly justified project and not continue with further legal proceedings.  We are committed to continue to oppose this project as the evidence is so clear that the electric line is simply not necessary and fails to meet the criteria required to construct it.”

For more information on this project, please visit Stop Transource in Franklin County.  

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